Correlation between skin conductance measurements and subjective pain scales in children after otolaryngological procedures

Abstract Introduction Pain assessment in children is crucial in managing postoperative analgesia; it is therefore necessary to determine the most accurate tool for assessing pain in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between skin conductance measurements and self-reporting pain scales in children after otolaryngology procedures. Materials and methods Thirty-three children (N=33) were assessed for eligibility for the research. Postoperative pain was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale; the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale; the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability scale; and a skin conductance algesimeter. The postoperative pain was measured 1 and 2 hours after the surgery. Results There was no statistically significant correlation between self-reported pain scores and the skin conductance fluctuations in the children studied, regardless of gender or age. A statistically significant correlation was found between the existing subjective pain scales in children. Conclusions The skin conductance measurements do not provide an additional reliable tool for assessing pain in patients after otolaryngological procedures. The existing self-reported pain scales are sufficient to assess postoperative pain in children.